Recent advances in sequencing, the technology that allows scientists to read the molecular code of DNA, have made human genetic information more accessible and affordable than ever before. Yet the increasing availability of genetic data has brought increasing attention to the ethical issues surrounding the topic, which concern such diverse fields as privacy, health and income inequality.

Basics of Bioethics

Bioethics refers to the study of the moral issues raised by developments in medicine and the life sciences. Many bioethicists ground their judgments on a set of three principles set forth for medical researchers by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Belmont Report, published in 1979. The first, autonomy, emphasizes that the desires of patients regarding testing and treatment should be respected whenever possible. The second, beneficence, is related to the famous Hippocratic oath and stresses that the benefit of a treatment to the patient should be maximized while its risk is minimized. Finally, the principle of justice urges researchers and doctors to distribute the fruits of their work in a fair and equal manner.

Double-edged Data

Genetic testing can reveal a great deal of sensitive information about an individual, predicting whether he or she is at risk for conditions such as lung cancer, type 2 diabetes and even alcohol dependence. Doctors can use this information to make better-informed decisions regarding treatment, and by sharing the test results with researchers, they can make the tests even more accurate for future patients. However, if the privacy of a patient's data is compromised, adverse consequences can follow, as insurance companies and employers may be unwilling to take risks on individuals with preexisting conditions. Scientists must use the principle of beneficence to weigh the rewards of disseminating genetic information with the risks that the information may be used to harm patients.

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Knowing Too Much?

Often lost in the buzz surrounding genetic testing is the fact that the data usually yield probabilities for certain conditions, not straightforward diagnoses. Patients without a background in biology can become overwhelmed by the results of their personal genome analysis, choosing to undergo preemptive surgeries and further expensive testing that may not be necessary. While doctors should honor the wishes of their patients according to the principle of autonomy, they should also provide knowledgeable and realistic advice about treatment. The burgeoning field of genetic counseling helps individuals comprehend the complex interactions of lifestyle and genetics and come to informed decisions.

Genetic Discrimination

Some patients are ordering genetic tests not for themselves, but for their unborn children. People undergoing in vitro fertilization, for example, can now screen possible embryos for genetic abnormalities, choosing to reject those that could likely possess developmental disorders. In the future, this screening could extend to selection for positive traits such as intelligence and athleticism. If low-income individuals are unable to afford these tests, however, the science could lead to increased inequality between the rich and the poor. Doctors must consider justice as they wrestle with this application of genetic screening.

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About the Author

Daniel Walton is a Cincinnati-based science writer whose articles have appeared on the blog Sword of Science and the Internet science hub Real Clear Science. He holds a Master of Science in crop science from the University of Illinois and grows a substantial vegetable garden in his backyard.